Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

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Address
2351 Veteran’s Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
Latitude 40.53758
Longitude -74.225349

Group Programs

The Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center offers interactive exhibits and environmental education programs. Come learn about the Preserve's natural environment and rich history of the Lenape, the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground, the clay-miners, and organic farmer Herbert Gericke. Historical artifacts as well as wildlife specimens native to Staten Island's south shore are on display. Visitors can get up close and personal with live animals, enjoy the touch discovery station, look through a children's stereoscope or play in the kid's activity area. Be sure to venture outside and explore the miles of trails that wander among meadows, forests, wetlands, streams and to Sharrotts Pond.

The Interpretive Center offers environmental education programs year round for schools at all grade levels as well as interpretive programs, hikes, and themed walks for youth organizations and the general public. Contact the Center for more information on public, school, scout or camp programs.

Hours of Operation

  • The Park Office, located at 83 Nielsen Ave, Staten Island, NY is open 9 AM - 5 PM daily. Phone: (718) 967-1976 The Preserve gounds are open dawn to dusk.
  • The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and Sundays 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm with exhibits, classroom space, games and access to Preserve trails.

Fees & Rates

  • Program Fees
  • All programs are FREE of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Thu 08 May
Seasonal Crafting for Seniors: Herb Gardens
Thursday, May 8, 2025 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Create a beautiful herb garden with fresh herbs and decorative stones. Socialize with peers and enjoy the scenery of our gorgeous park on an optional hike. All materials provided. Ages 55+. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 10 May
Morning Bird Stroll
Saturday, May 10, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by observing and learning about the birds in our park! Beginners welcome. Binoculars provided. We will hike up to 2 miles. All ages. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 10 May
Bird Day Storytime
Saturday, May 10, 2025 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Enjoy a fun, enriching afternoon of bird-themed stories and songs! Ages 0-5. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Tue 13 May
Tot Time
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 17 May
Eel Spiel & Pond Crawlers
Saturday, May 17, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Learn all about eels in NYC and help us scoop for critters that call our ponds their home! We will hike up to 1 mile. All ages. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!
Registration: Required